1308/Tutoring Tamaki, Round One!

Tutoring Tamaki, Round One!
Date of Scene:	19 March 2024
Location:	Plot Room 1
Synopsis:	Tamaki asks for help in tutoring and meets Ami at her dorm for lessons. They get sidetracked showing off powers.
Cast of Characters:	Ami Mizuno, Jadeite

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Ami Mizuno has posed:
The dorm that Ami shared with Hannah was pleasantly large, and extremely well kept. Everything was lain out precisely; the furniture neatly lined up with plenty of walking room around it. Not a speck of dust or dirty clothes or even decorations were on the flooring area. Everything that might help to give the room personality was either up on the walls, or on bookshelves so that nothing impeded the footpaths.

Hannah was blind. It only made sense to leave plenty of walking room while also ensuring that nothing was going to trip her up.

It didn't really matter at this exact moment since Ami was the only one in the room. A tidy stack of workbooks on various subjects has been set out on the coffee table in front of a very cozy couch in what was clearly designated the 'lounging area' of the room. A pot of tea, and some tea cups, had also been set there still steaming while filling the room with the pleasant scent of citrusy yuzu and honey.

Ami glances at the clock on the wall just to double-check the time as her guest was due to arrive any moment.

Jadeite has posed:
The good news is: Tamaki may have been skipping school, but he's at least attempted to keep up with his schoolwork. He's ready for his math class, and he'd done the huge science project in a single crazed night during his time away.

The bad news is, that still leaves so, so, so much reading to do. And studying the reading. And interpreting the reading. And as funny as it would be, he's pretty sure every book assigned in literature class does not have the theme of 'big idiot ruins his friendships.' That is pure projection.

Which is why he's here. He may not remember much, but he has it on (his prince's) authority that Ami Mizuno is the person to go to for help in the classroom.

Tamaki knocks at the door. He's wearing a white jacket and slacks and a robin's egg blue polo, and he has his school bag slung over one arm.

"I'm here. May I come in?"

Ami Mizuno has posed:
The knock almost earns a jolt of surprise from Ami. Even if she was expecting it in the first place it was just a bit jarring to actually hear the knock while her ears were already straining to try to catch some hint of when Tamaki may arrive. One last little nudge to the study guides is given before she rises to step to the door to open it.

In spite of their rather recent history of being on opposite sides of the battlefield, Ami greets him with a smile. "Of course! Welcome. If you'd like to take your jacket off there's a coat rack," comes her offer with a gesture to the hooks on the wall. Some already bear a coat or two including a blue puffy jacket that looked as if it went out of fashion about five years prior. Warmth never went out of fashion though.

"I made some citron tea if you'd like. It's still a bit chilly outside, plus citrus is always good to help your immune system. You'll be rejoining school which means you'll be running into more potential pathogens from other students so it's a good time to also improve your health." As this is all explained she steps over to the area she'd set up for their cram session. Her own attire is casual, warm, but neat and tidy. A pair of tan athletic pants and an oversized pink, white and blue sweatshirt bearing the logo of a non-existant Sport Team with the slogan in English reading 'Go Sports!'

Jadeite has posed:
Tamaki hangs his white jacket up on the hook nearest the door, then toes off his shoes and sets them next to the door and out of the way. If his host wants it neat, he'll keep it neat.

After all, he represents his prince in this matter, even if informally. This is a favor done by one of his prince's allies on his behalf. He can be nothing less than a gentleman! Especially after, apparently, becoming well known for feuding with a cat??

"Thank you very much," he says, and sets his bookbag down in the cram session area. "I'd love some tea. Stress is said to be bad for the immune system, after all; I can use all the help I can get." Because he needs help so badly. Geddit?

His eyes cross her sweatshirt, and two lifetimes of diplomatic training kick in. "I love...the sports," he says. "Go sportsball?"

Ami Mizuno has posed:
"Pardon?" Ami looks momentarily completely baffled. This is not an expression she typically wears so Tamaki is treated to the rear sight of the bluenette looking confused with wide, blinking eyes as her brain tries to piece together what may have led to that remark. It doesn't take long as she suddenly glances down to her own shirt with a soft 'Oh!' of recollection and a quick flush of mild embarassment coloring her cheeks.

"Right, yes! It was apparently a meme awhile back?" Her hands smooth over the front of her sweatshirt a time or two with her hasty explanation. "It's um. It's cozy."

"My roommate Hannah is out at the moment but she may come back. She's 'in the know' but she's also blind and has a seeing eye--" Dog? That wasn't right. Just be honest. "--Razor Hound. Lyra. She's like a big lizard dog but is really super friendly, honest! So don't worry if they show up I know Lyra can be a bit intimidating at first. Otherwise we should have plenty of time to study."

Back on track a bit she gestures for the couch or cushions or where ever he may like to sit. "I don't usually have snacks while studying. I understand you need help with most subjects other than Math?"

Jadeite has posed:
"Your roomate has a big lizard service animal and sports is a meme." Yes. He's totally got it. This is what normal is like. He thinks.

Thumbs up! He's got it!

"I brought some roasted peanuts as snacks? They're high in protein, good brain food," he says as he pulls the bag out, then sits on the couch.

"That's right. I'm good at math, and I did a good chunk of the science homework on my own, but I'm behind on the reading for most of my other classes, and even more so on the way we're supposed to interpret them."

Ami Mizuno has posed:
"Well, yes." That did kind of wrap things up neatly even if it simplified a lot. "Lyra's not exactly an Earth creature so I didn't want you to be surprised if she does show up."

The mention of peanuts earns a nod of apparent approval. A small snack like that was okay. "That's fine. It's just some of the girls sometimes try to bring an entire buffet it feels like." Even though that did get on her nerves there's still a fond smile at mention of the others.

With a smooth movement she sits down near Tamaki on the couch giving enough room for personal space. "Ah that can be troublesome. I have what we're currently working on," she explains while starting to sort through the workbooks to pick out the ones she meant. "And the study guides for it. We can start with a small section first so that you can get an idea for how they want things, and I can assist."

A stack of at least three workbooks is offered to Tamaki, riddled with little sticky note tabs poking out the side where she had already marked areas for review.

Jadeite has posed:
"....Honestly, with the way my memories are right now, I may not have recognized Lyra as being not of this world," Tamaki admits sheepishly. "The Golden Kingdom feels as almost real as Tokyo right now, even if it's starting to fade away."

He's got too many memories in his head. He's sure they'll settle, but for now, he keeps seeing things and having reactions based on two different lives.

"Oh, this is so organized! This is perfect," he says, looking over the notes. "Shall we start with Literature? I think if I put itoff, I'll be tired enough I'll get all the themes mixed up."

Ami Mizuno has posed:
This particular remark causes Ami to regard Tamaki a few long moments in thought. Not sure what to immediately say she buys herself a bit of time by reaching out for the teapot to pour a bit of the golden beverage into the two cups she had prepared prior. It's a bright gold tone, not deep at all, but smells richly of some variety of sweet citrus.

"I had plenty of time to prepare them. Honestly I have sets for all of you that we rescued, just in case any of you need help with topics. This is what I'm the best at." Which hints that there were certain areas she didn't feel so strong in. One of the teacups is taken between her hands to lift and sip thoughtfully. "To be honest I barely remember before this life. I have flashes. Feelings. No solid memories though--Or at least nothing I feel certain about, entirely. I had actually wanted to ask if you could perhaps show me how to make that ice sword you fought me with during your rescue-- Ah, if you remember, that is," she hastens to add given she knew of his issues with his memory. "I just thought I'd ask since our powers both use ice." With a firmer nod she adds, "Yes, literature is fine to start."

Jadeite has posed:
Tamaki takes his cup and stares into it. Golden tea, gold as the drinks that flowed back in that kingdom, gold as the decorations that lined the walls. How can he remember that so well and the rescue remains a void?

"...I can show you how to make the sword," he says after a long pause. "I'm afraid I don't remember the rescue, but I could make the sword - before. It won't be a problem to show you. It's the least I can do given - everything."

The rescue, the homework help, the warm welcome.

Ami Mizuno has posed:
"Oh it was a very short fight. There really wasn't a lot to recall," Ami responds quickly in an attempt to be reassuring in a way. Except she wasn't sure how to really other than to play it down a bit. Even she had been very concerned about how Jadeite had been after that fight in spite of her own injury at the time.

Her lips part to speak again only to falter as she doubts what she was about to say. The teacup she drank from is set down, gently nudged aside with fingertips, in favor of leaving the space on the table between them empty. Telling her he had stabbed her would likely not help his mood even if she had forgiven him for it already.

"...If there are other things you'd prefer to show me than that, I'd be quite happy to learn as well. I'm just aware that I'm the weakest fighter among the senshi. My powers aren't weak," she hastens to add. As had been pointed out numerous times water and ice was such a very devastating element to utilize. "I just.. don't know how to fight well. I'd appreciate any help at all, really." A soft smile is offered to Tamaki.

"But it doesn't have to be a sword if that's not something you would use now."

Jadeite has posed:
"So I've been told. I told my prince that I don't mind forgetting some things if that was the price to pay to get me out." He shrugs. it's a thing. It happened. He can't do anything about it. So what's the use in regretting it? He has better things to be regretful about, like betraying his prince in two lifetimes and getting scammed by Beryl in both those lifetimes.

He sips his tea, considering her request before he sets it down and responds. "I would still use a sword, and I can show you how to make a sword. The question is, would YOU use a sword?"

One hand dives into ihs pockets and pulls out gloves, which he tugs on one by one. "I can show you right now if you'd like?"

Ami Mizuno has posed:
Ami actually looks a bit sheepish when he asks if SHE would use a sword. It was a valid point after all, and she finds herself giving a small shake of her head. "I don't really know how to use one. I just thought it was more weapon-like than the freezing mist I use now." Though once she'd learned the trick to make the mist freezing? That had been very handy.

The gloves come out earning another quick blink of surprise from her. Resting her hands on her knees she leans back to regard him fully. "Can you? Right now? Without changing? I mean, if it's no trouble!"

Jadeite has posed:
"Well - it sounds like your freezing mist is more of a ranged attack? Having something for one on one fights would be useful," Tamaki muses. "Or if you're fighting somewhere where you don't want to freeze everyone in the room."

He double checks the gloves are on properly, then claps his hands. "I'd need to change to be able to summon my epee, but I don't mind! We can get to studying after this. If that's alright?" He looks down at the gloves, then up at her with a sheepish smile. "I'm...not used to holding ice in my bare hands anymore. You really don't want it to stick to your skin."

Ami Mizuno has posed:
"Of course! There's still plenty of time to study as well." A quick glance at the clock on the wall assures herself of that fact. Right now she had a lot of study sessions to go to. She was going to have to consolidate them soon for her own sanity. Sleep wasn't something she'd had much of lately.

This was far more important and interesting at the moment.

"It's safe to transform in here. The rooms are really oddly soundproof so I wouldn't worry about neighbors." Something to think on for the future. For now she steps back to give him room while clasping her hands together in front of her. A broad smile comes, and she gives a 'go ahead' nod of encouragement.

"Gloves are perfectly fine and reasonable. Frost bite is no joke."

Jadeite has posed:
Tamaki nods and stands, going to the center of the room so he's sure not to hit anything. He's managed a few henshins safely in his apartment, but it's different doing it in front of someone else....

He touches the blue-green earring that hangs on only one ear, and from it pulls a white cloak. He spins, surrounding himself with the cloak so that he looks like a snowdrop flower hanging from the stem of a hand; when he pulls it away with a flourish, he's wearing a blue uniform with the white cloak falling around his shoulders, attached by gold and white epaulets. His knee high boots tap against the floor as he shifts to find his balance in his new outfit; the one spot of warm color on him are his fuzzy brown mittens.

And in a moment of mischief, he bows to her. "My lady of Mercury."

Ami Mizuno has posed:
Had Ami ever actually watched someone else transform before? The thought comes to her as she stands watching Tamaki, hoping he wasn't too embarassed to do this while she was looking on, but far too curious to look away at the same time. Should she... should she clap?

No, that would be weird.

As he transforms she squeezes her hands together raising them up to hold against her chest trying to restrain the bit of excitement she felt watching this prelude to possibly learning something new herself. This is unfortunately the posture she's in when Tamaki finishes his transformation into Jadeite, who bows and greets her so formally.

Her face turns a bright tomato red. "Oh! That was ... Should I transform to? I should transform too," comes rattled off very quickly. "It'll be easier for me to examine how you're using your powers." Because of course she has to explain her reasoning.

With a quick twist of her wrist she pulls her Mercury Pen from her little pocket space to hold aloft. "Mercury Power, Make Up!"

Ribbons. Twirling. Light glistens over her, droplets of water surging around, and her own attire shifts into the Sailor Scout attire.

Once fully transformed she gives a quick curtsey tugging at the hem of her skirt feeling a bit more confident in standing in front of him this way.

Jadeite has posed:
Haha, gotter! Except no, she's got him, transforming in an elegant spray of water and - oh he's going to look away real fast as the lights shimmer over her silhouette, because even if he probably can't see anything, he should! Make sure! He's not going to gawk at a girl changing!

"Ahem - ah, good idea, so you can use your powers. Shall we begin the lesson?"

Ami Mizuno has posed:
Sailor Mercury grins brightly at the question. "Yes, please!" Learning was always something she enjoyed and this was something she hadn't really had anyone she could ask about learning. Maybe Michiru. This would be helpful though, and in learning from him she would get to see how he teaches and thus learn how he learns! All the better to help him with his own studies.

One gloved hand lifts to press against her own earring which causes a shimmer of light to sweep over her eyes forming the Mercury Visor which allowed her to better examine things. "I'm ready. Please, go ahead."

Jadeite has posed:
Jadeite nods and spreads his hands before him. "I can't tell you in words how it is I make this - it's more of a matter of instinct and practice at this point. I spent two lifetimes learning how to fence. I can create my sword because I know what it's like to hold one in my hand. I know the balance, the grip, the weight."

In his right hand, the hilt forms, and then the bell-shaped guard. His other gloved hand guides the thin blade as it grows from the hilt, keeping it parallel to his body and pointed into the air, not at his host. It's a practiced movement, as fluid as riding a bike.

When the epee is fully formed, he rests it in his gloved hands and offers the hilt to Sailor Mercury.

Ami Mizuno has posed:
There's little to no hesitation from Sailor Mercury as her curioisity is piqued. Every thing he explains is met with a firm nod of understanding even as her eyes focus unflinching to watch the sword be produced. This one was different than the one she recalled. More of a sword and less of a 'I will shank you with this death icicle' as she recalled. Then again she'd been very stressed at the time, her memory might be a little fuzzy.

When the epee is offered out she reaches to take it in her own gloved hand a bit surprised at the weight of it. It's raised up slowly, carefully, with the respect anyone might offer to a sword. Even if this one was made of ice. "Oh, I see. I wouldn't have that familiarity then. You know there's a fencing club at the school too, I've seen them use swords like this." An idle observation as she examines it with clear interest. "And you made it so perfectly, too!"

Jadeite has posed:
"There is?" He perks up. "I think I was so focused on Obsidian's plans before that I completely missed it." Or perhaps he'd been so deep in despair he'd missed that it existed. Either one! "I'll have to join once finals are done. I've gotten rusty!"

new goals! He's got to get back in shape with his sword!

"I like making things. I've gotten rusty on that too, but I practiced while I was in my apartment."

Ami Mizuno has posed:
"Oh yes, I'm fairly certain there is. Usagi-chan mentioned that there's this one student that keeps trying to get Mamoru-san to spar with him in it," Mercury remarks in regards to the fencing club.

For a moment more she regards the sword considering it. It was an interesting sensation holding a sword much less one made from ice, and she finds herself uncertain if she could use one in a fight. "I really don't know how to use one myself," she finally admits with a guilty sort of smile. "But it was still useful seeing how you make it. I suppose I'd need to figure out something I'm more familiar with myself."

Curious, she presses on. "What other things did you practice?"

Jadeite has posed:
"I can challenge him? It'll be good for me," Tamaki says with a grin. "Get all the rust and dirt off."

Nothing like a fresh challenger to help get back into shape! It would be fun!

And Tamaki nods. "Have you thought about what forms of close range combat you'd feel familiar with? I chose fencing as a combination of what I enjoyed and taking advantage of ice's properties."

And he lights up even more. "I can make models of my attacks for you to look at. They're stlil a work in progress, but I know they'll perform well in the field!

Ami Mizuno has posed:
Ami grins at Tamaki's apparent interest in the club taking it as a good sign over all. "I'm sure he'd enjoy that," she agrees. "And it sounds like you would, too."

What types of attacks? That was a very valid, very good question that earns an uncertain expression. "Not overly so. I think it would still be a good idea to keep to ranged attacks given my lack of hand-to-hand fighting experience. Plus it just makes more sense over all." Ever one for logic, her. At least there's time to think about it still.

"Oh, yes please! I'd like to see what else you can do!"

Jadeite has posed:
"I've been holed up for long enough! I'm ready to get out there!" let him at! let him!

And. Hm. "Actually. How large of an ice block can you summon? I have an idea." He may be able to help with a close range attack that won't require much finesse!

And Jadeite summons a square of ice, then starts to squeeze and shape it. It turns into a long and tall ice plant, a spindly stem hunched over from the weight of dozens of bell-shaped blossoms.

"This is the basis for my Snow Thimble attack!"

Ami Mizuno has posed:
Mercury again finds herself having to answer in the negative with a simple, "I've never tried before." For a moment she clenches her hands, then relaxes her fingers again, as she starts to feel entirely inadequate. No, not inadequate: Under prepared. It wasn't something she was used to. "I'm beginning to see I really ought to explore my powers more fully rather than simply using them only when in need." At least it was something she could work on!

All the more reason for her to watch intently when Jadeite summons the ice to work it into, of all things, a flower. Her blue eyes widen with obvious delight. "Oh that's lovely! And an attack? I've never heard of Snow Thimbles before... What other flowers can you make?"

Jadeite has posed:
"Try practicing, see if you can summon ice blocks. If you can summon one over your enemy's head, or in your hand and then," he gestures reaching up to grab ice and then bringing it down, "that's an improvised weapon they won't see coming. Since you summoned it with your magic, you won't have to go through lifting it, just dropping it! Gravity will do the rest."

And he beams like a 1000 watt flashlight at her praise. Yes, yes, he is a genius, tell him more. "Snow thimbles are a kind of earth flower - I thought the name was charming and that the blossoms would be useful - watch!" He shakes the stem and holds out his hand; the little ice bells hanging from it crash onto his hand. "Their top parts are heavy and the side parts are sharp, and them shattering on impact can make the floor slippery if it's warm enough. I can only get the blossoms the size of a basketball right now - but ideally I can get them big enough to be a makeshift cage if need be."

wait. other flowers. RIGHT. "I can also make Glory of the Snow - ah, hold on, do you have somewhere I can put this where it won't melt all over the floor?" he holds up the stem sheepishly.

Ami Mizuno has posed:
With the idea suggested of using ice blocks over enemies, Mercury tucks that away to try out later. For now she was enraptured by watching the Snow Thimble attack that Jadeite had been working on. It wasn't something she would have thought of herself after all. "Ah! That is clever, yes. I was working on something to entrap at one point but became distracted." Something else to work on.

When the stem is offered over to her she reaches out to take it in both hands with a soft chuckle. "Of course. I'll just put it in the sink." There wasn't really a kitchen in here, per say, but there was the bathroom with it's sink just behind a door, which is where it ends up. "Anything bigger and it'll have to go into the shower though."

Jadeite has posed:
"I'm summoning everything in hand held size to minimize the mess," Jadeite reassures her.

"As for entrapping enemies... am I correct in remembering that you have some control over water as well as ice?" He's had a lot of time to think about this, ok? He loves magic. He loves making things with magic. It's usually the best part of his job.

"The other attack I have mostly finished is Glory of the Snow," and in his hands he summons a lattice of ice flowers fused together. "I will use this as a shield from hostile attacks."

Ami Mizuno has posed:
"Yes, I do! My main attack allows me to cast a fog that blinds our enemies but that we can still see in. It's useful, but more of an assisting thing," Mercury admits thoughtfully before adding, "Though I've recently learned how to make it freeze on contact too. That's become rather handy."

"Water and Ice seem to be the elements I can work with most. I've not tried anything else, they just come naturally."

The explanations fall away in favor of pressing her hands together to lean forward intently watching the new floral ice figure. "I'm glad they're small. We already had to deal with Mamoru-kun's room being flooded." Quieter she adds in obvious appreciation, "It's so beautiful too. You really are skilled!"

Jadeite has posed:
"There is a place for assistive magics in battle! A war isn't won by everyone using the same attacks. But it is good to have some offensive skills just in case you're alone," Jadeite muses. "Freezing on contact is very useful. If you can stick an enemy to something else frozen, so much the better. This... might not fit your wheelhouse, but if you're looking to trap an enemy and they're on dirt, you could fill the earth with water and create quicksand."

And he nods. "My room flooded too. I ended up moving out here in part because the idea of cleaning it was too much... and in part because i never told Beryl my real name, so living out here as 'Tamaki' seems safer htan going back to the dorms.'

And, he flushes a little. "Thank you. You'll get to this level too, in time. It just takes practice."

Ami Mizuno has posed:
"Oh I certainly don't mind assisting," Mercury is quick to assure only for him to follow up with the rest of her thought. The fact that he was on the same line of thought as she was, causes her to smile with a little exhalation of relief. "But yes, for when I'm solo I'd like to be able to protect myself properly at least. I'll have to think on the quicksand. That's not a bad idea. So is freezing them to other things."

The reassurance of her abilities earns a little duck of her head, and a quiet, "Thank you. I'll certainly try my best so that I can help everyone." Looking up again she adds, "I'm glad you can at least have some sort of normal life after all you've been through."

Jadeite has posed:
"I think... it might be worth asking the other Senshi if you can try their weapons. You may not find any of them comfortable - but that will, hopefully, help you narrow down what you WOULD want to wield. And if nothing ends up feeling right, we can see what feels the least wrong," Tamaki says. He had lucked out with his epee, finding it as natural to move as a limb; Ami may not find the same joy in playful combat he does, but he hopes there's something she can at least feel comfortable wielding.

And at the mention of a normal life, his eyes drift off, distant, before he shakes the mood off. "I've forgotten most of it. Maybe that's a good thing. I'm just glad I didn't burn all my bridges. We both have a duty to the prince and princess; I'm glad we can work together to protect them."

Ami Mizuno has posed:
Mercury listens as Jadeite speaks of forgetting, and of serving their prince and princess. She shifts her weight to take a little leaning half-sit against the arm of the couch that was in the room still in full henshin.

"I can't remember much of my life back on the Moon. I think perhaps it's a good thing in a way. I get to focus on here and now, and enjoy meeting my friends all over again, instead of remembering things going bad before the end."

Softly smiling she tips her head toward Jadeite as well. "Maybe not getting to remember is good in a way as well in a similar fashion. It might not be worth remembering your 'before' time here, and this is your chance to get to enjoy things. I hope it's a good chance for you."

Brightening up some she adds with a chuckle, "And I'm very glad to have met you here and now. I look forward to working with you to help protect them both."

Jadeite has posed:
"You get a whole new life, free from the worries of the old. You're not haunted by the things that went wrong."

Or the way his memory fails more and more as it spiraled towards the end. If his theory is true, that having the dark energy pulled out of him also pulled out the memories of events when he was full of darkness - it started much, much earlier than he had thought it had.

"It's a chance to start again. Third time's the charm, right?" First in the Golden Kingdom, then when he'd become Jadeite as a youth in this life. "Me too. I'm looking forward to your ice sculptures," and he pauses guiltily, "But... we should probably work on those after we study."

o o p s

Ami Mizuno has posed:
"Yes," Mercury agree with a bit of a giggle as he comes back full circle to studying. Even she was was usually very eager to do so has to pause with a bit of a longing look. The lure of just practicing her powers for awhile was pretty tempting. "I'll make sure to surprise you with something soon," she promises. "For now though, yes, we should get back to studying." Her transformation slips away leaving her regular Ami once more. "But soon. Now! Literature," she declares sinking back down to sit and focus on the task.